Xavion Silverfate

Chapter 42 | The Canines

It was still dark outside, but the candles in the cottage were bright enough to wake me. I didn't move in my bed, and I envisioned what would happen on this journey.

It'll be just the two of us, Akolyn will be staying in here, guiding us with his spells. The crisp air of the sea and the cool breeze were one of the things I'll miss once we leave.

"Xianne, are you awake?" I heard Akolyn called out.

"Yes, I am, just making myself presentable," I said, he didn't reply and I heard the door open. He must be helping Xavion put everything in the wagon.

The enormity of our journey settling in my veins now, that we're leaving. But there's still one thing I can't shake—Xavion's secret. The tails. The blood on his hands. I need answers, but now isn't the time to confront him. Not when we're about to go on something this dangerous.

I'll wait.

The tails should be the least of my worries, for now. I have to focus on the things in front of me.

And for that someone whom I have to protect—Circe.

Tying my hair and putting on my cloak, it'll be a little cold once we're out. I carried my duffel bag, the wagon was now out in the front, the moose already strapped at the other end of the wagon, the door was open, and Akolyn walked out.

"I'll bring in the herbs, and prepare a place to where to put them." I nodded and climbed up a few steps. Xavion was checking the reigns at the other end.

The inside was spacious even though it was narrow. Two hammocks were already placed, and wooden drawers were situated on the opposite side of them. The lantern in the middle was enough to light the whole wagon.

"You choose which hammock you want to sleep into." He said as he finished checking the ropes.

I pointed the hammock in front of him, I do not want to be seen sleeping as soon as you open the door.

He agreed and took the duffel bag from my hand and secured it with his. I looked at the crates securely stashed near the drawers, the live animals were there. I pulled out an empty drawer, I think we can put the herbs here.

"Xianne," Xavion said suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts. His hands holding mine, he walked closer to me, I could feel his steady heartbeat and his eyes full of sincerity.

"We need to trust each other, especially on this journey. No more distractions."

I blinked at him, caught off guard by his sudden intensity. His eyes were locked onto mine, and for a moment, I wondered if he knew—if he had sensed my turmoil, if he knew about the tails, about my doubts.

But I just nodded, keeping my face neutral. "Of course."

Akolyn appeared then, his footsteps light but deliberate as he approached with a smirk on his face. "Ready to set off into the great unknown, I see?" I took the vials from him and carefully put them inside the drawer.

"Just finishing up," Xavion replied, his tone returning to its usual calm.

Akolyn's gaze drifted between the two of us, and I could feel his knowing eyes linger on me. He always knew more than he let on, and it unnerved me sometimes. He probably saw right through me—through the facade I was desperately trying to maintain.

"I trust you're prepared, Xianne?" Akolyn asked a hint of something sly in his voice.

"I'm ready," I answered, though it felt like a lie, even to myself.

Akolyn chuckled softly and leaned against the wagon. "You two have quite the journey ahead of you. Silverfall is just the beginning. You'll face dangers far worse than any rogue or storm. And you'll need more than just weapons and armor to survive."

Xavion frowned, his brows furrowing. "What are you getting at?"

Akolyn's eyes glinted mischievously, but there was a serious undertone in his voice when he spoke again. "The Lycan we're hunting—it's not just a beast. It's more than that. The rogues... they're just pawns in its game. The real danger is in the way it turns people against each other. It'll find your weaknesses and exploit them."

I shivered, trying to shake off the chill creeping up my spine.

"You're saying it can mess with our minds?" I asked, glancing at Xavion.

Akolyn nodded slowly. "Exactly. It'll plant doubts, fears... It'll twist your thoughts until you don't know who to trust. That's how it wins. Not through brute force, but by breaking you from the inside."

Xavion's jaw tightened, and I could see the determination flicker in his eyes. "We won't let it break us."

☾ 𓆰𓆪 ☽

If you want to read the full chapters of Xavion Silverfate, visit https://www.webnovel.com/book/xavion-silverfate_17261859106229905

2020 by bleedingpapers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the writer, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and specific other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.